7 Days - An Insider’s Angkor Jeep Tour
Highlights
- Spend your day in Siem Reap with your expert local guide, exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm Temple.
- Discover a tranquil corner of Kulen National Park for a remote exploration and see the natural habitat of the elephant sanctuary.
- Travel to lesser-known temples, including Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei, for a comprehensive look at the breadth of artistry and engineering of the Khmer culture.
- Experience the rural sites of Siem Reap floating village, and venture through Cambodia's culinary adventure.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the historical, cultural, and culinary treasures of Cambodia on a single, comprehensive journey that includes watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat.
You will have an opportunity to explore this world heritage site first-hand as well as visit some of the other archaeological sites that are found on the famed Temples Road. Educational tours are available to provide context for your visit and offer insight into Cambodian history.
You’ll explore the vibrant minority villages and great swathes of wilderness. Meet our knowledgeable guide and stay in comfortable beds at hotels that are located in sublime locations for your Cambodia holiday with us!
- Day 1 - Arrive Siem Reap & Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer to your elegant hotel, which was once the home of royalty. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Stroll through the manicured hotel gardens, relax under the frangipani trees beside the magnificent architect-designed pool, or perhaps enjoy a massage to ease your way into your holiday. At 7 PM, meet your guide for your welcome dinner.
- Diner
- Viroth’s Hotel - Day 2 - Angkor In Style
This morning, start your day of sightseeing with a visit to Ta Prohm temple, the most picturesque and atmospheric ruin in the Angkor complex. Take your time with your private guide through the temple, from the West entrance to the East entrance, where you will rejoin our driver.
Following the main road to Angkor Thom, replete with stone sculptures depicting demons and deities, learn about the cultural significance of the Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Royal Enclosure from your private guide. After roaming around Bayon, we will take a short break to enjoy our light refreshments to keep your energy level up before getting back in our jeep again and continuing to the Elephant Terrace. Then, we head back to the hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore on your own.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Viroth’s Hotel - Day 3 - Visit Kulen National Park & Elephant Sanctuary
Today, we take a journey to Phnom Kulen, one of Cambodia’s most sacred mountains, with deeply revered pagodas and ruins on its high plateau, which overlooks the plains below. There are quite a few steps up, but you’ll be able to pause to catch your breath and take in the excellent views. Having paid your respects at the Preach Ang Chup Pagoda, step into the jungle of Phnom Kulen National Path, on an old hunting trail that winds through the vine-covered trees until it reaches the River of 1000 Lingas, an array of unique riverbed carvings, and nearby Preah Ang Thom, a huge stone Buddha carved into the top of a rock, set in a bustling but atmospheric temple complex.
After exploring this national park, we will head to the Elephant Sanctuary, where you will spend time learning about elephants as you follow them through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. After all the crawling, you will appreciate a local lunch in the forest.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Viroth’s Hotel - Day 4 - Visit Banteay Samre & Banteay Srei Temple
This morning, we drive to the remote temple of Banteay Samre, built by Kings Suryavarman II and Yasovarman II in the early part of the 12th century. This Hindu temple was built in the same style as Angkor Wat Temple. Your expert guide will decipher the myriad of stories behind the bas-relief carvings and give you insight into life during the height of the Khmer Empire.
Later, we deviate from the beaten path to visit the intricately carved and well-preserved Banteay Srei – the detailed reliefs on this smaller sandstone structure are considered the finest and most skillfully crafted in Cambodia. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings, which have been preserved remarkably well.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Viroth’s Hotel - Day 5 - Tour to Rouluos Temples & Floating Village
Today, we travel back in time to one of the earliest capitals in the Angkor area, Hariharalaya, now known as the Rouluos group temple. There are three key Hindu structures that remain: Lolei, Bakong, and Preah Ko temple, which were all part of the ancient city of Hariharalaya. You will walk approximately 3 km as you explore these peaceful ruins, meeting villagers along the way.
Then, we head to Kampong Pluk and, aboard your private boat, visit a floating village, built entirely on stilts in the Tonle Sap, the lake at Cambodia’s centre. See the little school, Buddhist temple, and shops before puttering off to a floating fishing village and a flooded forest, where – if water levels are high enough – you can pass amongst the branches by boat. The voyage will finish around mid-afternoon, leaving the rest of your day at leisure.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Viroth’s Hotel - Day 6 - Explore Siem Reap Countryside & Culinary Tour
Today, we explore rural villages and learn about the daily lives of the local people. You will be a world away from Siem Reap – it’s a perfect opportunity to get “off the beaten track” and gain a better understanding of Cambodian rural life, along with insight into traditional Khmer culture, something few visitors are lucky enough to experience.
Afterward, we ventured into the wonders of Cambodian cuisine by going to a village cooking class. Prepare to visit local markets, village life, and landmarks while whipping up delicious dishes. Cook with a private chef in their countryside kitchen, whilst learning the story behind Cambodia’s cuisine.
- Day 7 - Angkor Wat Sunrise & Tour Concludes
Today, rising at the crack of dawn, taking a deep breath, and getting ready to experience the once-in-a lifetime experience when you can see the most beautiful sunrise at Angkor Wat. Enjoy the stunning views and learn how the rising sun brings the temples to life. Then head down to explore the ancient temple at its most atmospheric, bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun. We’ll head into the inner sanctum of Angkor Wat to admire the carvings and architecture of the temple.
After having lunch, your guide will take you to the airport. Please arrange your departure flights any time from 15:00 onwards in order to fit in with our itinerary departure.
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Round trip by Vintage Jeep
- Experienced driver
- English-speaking tour guide
- Hand-selected accommodations
- Airport meet and freet with private transfers
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Admission fees to all attractions, temples, and activities listed in the itinerary
- Boat trip to the floating village
- Personal Expense
- Travel Insurance